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Terry Sanford's Chris Wilson Honored

FAYETTEVILLE — Chris Wilson of Terry Sanford High School had a big honor bestowed on him recently, and one he was not expecting.

He went to the Terry Sanford gym for a ceremony that was supposed to honor the outstanding Bulldog men's basketball team. Instead, Wilson's number 21 jersey was retired.

Wilson will play for St. Joseph's in the Atlantic 10 next year.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, Bulldog basketball coach Bill Boyette said he came up with the idea for honoring Wilson shortly before Terry Sanford entered this year's state 4-A playoffs. He wanted to do it not just because of Wilson's basketball resume, but for his academic and leadership accomplishments.

Wilson finished his career with 1,527 points and 455 assists. He played on teams that posted outstanding records of 112-12 and led his team to two NCHSAA state 4-A finalist berths.

He is the first male athlete in the history of Terry Sanford to have his jersey retired. The only other male athlete with a retired jersey was Dr. Franklin (Rusty) Clark, who played for the school when it was Fayetteville High School. Two female Terry Sanford basketball players have had their jerseys retired, Shea Ralph and Courtney Willis.

The Terry Sanford standout said, "It's an incredible honor. For all the great athletes that have played at this school, all the great teams, great coaches, just to be named as one of the best is humbling.''